Is cottage cheese healthy? (2024)

FAQs

Is cottage cheese healthy? ›

Cottage cheese is low in calories while providing protein and vital nutrients, Zumpano says, making it one of the healthiest cheeses you can eat. It's made by curdling pasteurized (sterilized) cow's milk — when milk turns acidic, the milk protein separates and forms curds (clumps).

He said that while most cheese, including cottage cheese, contains nutrients such as vitamins and calcium, it can also have high levels of sodium and fat, so he recommends eating it in moderation.

Cottage cheese is a low calorie cheese with a mild flavor. However, it is highly nutritious, which means it may help with weight loss and muscle gain. Cottage cheese is versatile and can be enjoyed in many recipes. Its popularity has grown in the last few decades, and it's often recommended as part of a healthy diet.

Is cottage cheese or yogurt better for you? Both cottage cheese and yogurt are excellent options for a healthy snack. Snodgrass finds it hard to choose, but she thinks there may be a slight winner. “Cottage cheese does however have a modest advantage in terms of a little less sugar than yogurt.

Why it's good for you: Cheese lovers, rejoice: cottage cheese is a great pick for your gut. As with other fermented foods, cottage cheese often delivers probiotics (check the package labels for live and active cultures), and it's high in calcium, which is important for strong bones.

Best: Friendship Dairies 1% Low-Fat Whipped Cottage Cheese

The Friendship brand of cottage cheese is a great bet, according to registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus, specifically the 1%, low-fat whipped version, which contains 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 19 grams of protein per 5-ounce serving.

Here's where metabolic magic happens: The amount of muscle our body has is one of the primary drivers in determining how many calories we burn each day. "Other research supports that cottage cheese before bed actually does increase metabolism the next morning," Reaver says.

What is in cottage cheese that burns fat? Cottage cheese itself does not burn fat. But it is high in protein, with 25 grams per one cup serving. Fat is burned through exercise and moving your body.

The 30-30-30 rule involves eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up, followed by 30 minutes of low-intensity, steady state cardiovascular exercise. Beyond these steps, the 30-30-30 method doesn't require any changes to other meals or behaviors, restrictions or counting calories.

Plain, full-fat cottage cheese has a modest amount of carbohydrates, with most not exceeding 5 grams. It also contains no added sugar, so experts say it's a good candidate for those observing a low-carb and low-glucose diet. Low-fat and fat-free cottage cheese, on the other hand, may contain more carbs and sugar.

Is cottage cheese better than eggs? ›

Cottage cheese contains more protein than two eggs.

And that's just the protein in a personal-size cup of the stuff (5.3 oz)—in that size, those wannabe trendy cottage cheeses are weighing in at 16 to 19 grams of protein; eggs have about 6 g each.

Although cottage cheese contains many essential nutrients, it may not be a superfood for everyone. For example, cottage cheese tends to be high in sodium, so those on sodium-restricted diets may need to avoid it or look for low-sodium varieties.

What's more, cottage cheese is much lower in calories and fat and higher in protein than sour cream. Half a cup (105 g) contains 88 calories, 2.5 g of fat, and 11.5 g of protein. For reference, half a cup (120 g) of sour cream contains 238 calories, 23 g of fat, and just 3 g of protein ( 9 , 11 ).

This fad diet provides quick weight loss by using cottage cheese as the basis for your meals. While it is safe for most people to eat cottage cheese every day, it should not be consumed to the extent that you exclude other food groups. Also, some types of cottage cheese contain high amounts of sodium and/or sugar.

A 2021 study of 35,352 postmenopausal women published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reported a connection between higher intakes of dairy foods (including cottage cheese) and lower levels of CRP and IL-6. The same study revealed that eating yogurt was linked to a drop in type 2 diabetes risk.

The takeaway. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, which are important nutrients for continued good health. However, the sodium in cottage cheese might work against the benefits. As with anything, moderation is key.

That said, up to 3 servings (equivalent to 300 grams) of cottage cheese is a good amount to support weight loss, along with other healthy foods in your diet.

Plain yogurt and cottage cheese both fall in the camp of healthier processed foods. “This often overlooked gem is one of my daily staples.

Low-fat types like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or mozzarella are high-protein choices that help keep your blood sugar in check. Enjoy a quarter-cup of cottage cheese with a half-cup of fruit, a piece of low-fat string cheese, or ricotta spread on whole-grain crackers.

Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium and an excellent source of protein, but it's also relatively high in salt. A 1/2-cup (113-gram) serving of cottage cheese averages 350 mg of sodium, or 15% of the RDI (13).